Ch - 76 Bait?

That's why Swayam refrained from saying anything and chose to let destiny take its course.

As Swayam made that decision, his concentration returned to the present conversation, and time resumed its normal flow. Only then did he realize that he had subconsciously used his ability, *Accelerated Perception*.

When time flowed normally again, Swayam heard Barry say to Harrison Wells, "You don't get it. The man in yellow's speed was beyond me. I'm not the fastest man alive. He is." Barry then voiced his concern, "So how do we catch somebody that even I can't keep up with?"

Barry's concern was valid. To Swayam, Eobard and Barry were on completely different levels. Eobard was a veteran in speedster combat, knowing almost every move and trick possible with the Speed Force. In contrast, Barry was still a novice, having only recently acquired his powers.

Seeing Barry demotivated and downcast, Eobard (disguised as Harrison Wells) grew concerned that Barry might lose confidence in himself. That would prevent him from fully harnessing the Speed Force, which was crucial for Eobard's own return to the future. If Barry wasn't at his optimal level, Eobard's plan to regain his connection to the Negative Speed Force would fail.

To prevent that, Eobard offered false hope, saying, "The beautiful thing about force fields, Mr. Allen, is that they're impervious to speed. Cisco is almost finished fabricating the trap, and all that remains is for Detective West to procure the bait."

Joe, noticing Barry's distress, genuinely worried for him. Unlike Eobard, Joe's concern was real. He added, "I'll handle getting the bait. In the meantime, Barry, why don't you stay here and cool off your head?"

But Barry, still emotionally shaken after the confrontation with the man in yellow, refused. "No, Joe. Today is not the day to tell me to cool off and stay behind."

Swayam's *Pathokinesis* and understanding of human nature allowed him to perceive that everyone was reacting as real people would, not just like characters in a TV show. It made Swayam question the reality of the world around him once again.

While Joe and Barry went to procure the tachyon prototype from Dr. Tina McGee, they eventually returned to S.T.A.R. Labs with it. Cisco modified the device, making it a bait for the trap, and proudly announced, "The tachyon device is in place."

Barry, still anxious, asked, "Do you think it'll work?"

Cisco, confident in his engineering, assured him, "Don't worry, it'll work."

However, Barry still had doubts. "How do we advertise to him that the prototype's here?"

Eobard was prepared for this, having orchestrated the whole plan. Calmly, Harrison Wells responded, "We'll take care of that."

Afterward, both Joe and Wells exchanged a look, which Barry noticed. Feeling uneasy, he asked, "What's the problem?"

Joe, concerned for Barry, explained, "Look, Barry. Dr. Wells and I have talked, and we think it's best if you weren't here for this."

Barry, still raw with emotion, demanded to know what Joe meant. Joe replied, "You're too close to this."

Anger flared within Barry. "Maybe you're not close enough! If you hadn't been too scared and warned me that the man in yellow was here weeks ago, I could have been prepared for this."

Eobard, playing his role as the concerned Harrison Wells, chimed in, "I think we can all appreciate Joe's concern for Iris, Barry."

Barry, trying to assert his involvement, said, "That's why I *have* to be here. Sam alone won't be able to stop the man in yellow. I'm the best chance at catching this guy."

Joe, frustrated with Barry's defiance, retorted sternly, "Not right now, not in this state."

Seeing Joe's frustration and recognizing his rising anger, Barry softened his tone. "This man stabbed my mother through the heart and sent my father to prison for it. This is my fight."

But Joe stood firm. "Not today, son."

Realizing Joe wouldn't change his mind, Barry stormed out of S.T.A.R. Labs in anger.